Recluse
Short Films, 26-Jul-2024
After a year of isolation, a young woman reluctantly ventures out from her small studio apartment to host a funeral for her friend's pet. “Recluse,” directed by Alexis Sundman, is a tender look at confronting and reconnecting with the real world. Speaking directly to the audience, Leona informs us that it’s officially been 365 days since she’s left her apartment building. While she intends to keep it that way for a while, she receives an unexpected Facetime call from her good friend Stella. Her cat, “Ed Sheeran,” is dead due to suicide. Mourning severely, Stella insists that Leona, the cat’s godmother, attend the funeral. Anxiety-burdened, Leona tentatively decides whether or not she’ll attend the event. In a quick seven minutes, Sundman explores an endearing comedic style glancing at a reclusive yet charismatic character. -JM. Director/Writer: Alexis Sundman. Cast: Amanda Tugangui, Emma Maggi-Byers, Karol Nowak III. DP/Color: Akiva Henig. Producer: Em Messana Editor: Karol Nowak III. Production Design: Ella Murray Music: Gabe Grand Sound: Rene Wang, Matthew Lai.